Ozempic the latest Weight Loss BUZZ!

Ozempic has been all over the news for awhile now. Doctors recommend it for type 2 diabetes. Non-diabetics are using it for weight loss. Celebrities are showing off their impressive weight loss results — from Ozempic, not a healthy diet and lifestyle which is where real longterm sustainable results come from.

Im sure some of you have been curious about this medication. Is it safe? What are the side effects and risks? Are there any natural alternatives? Today, I want to talk about this topic. As you know Im an advocate of a natural approach for a healthy lifestyle, medications like this have a place for those that truly need it but it seems like an easy fix and simply promotes laziness when it comes to health and lifestyle changes.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription medication for people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is a weekly injection that is designed to help the pancreas to create more insulin and help reduce blood sugar. It mimics your body’s naturally occurring hormones. When your hormone levels increase from Ozempic, they send a message to your brain that you are full. This action also helps speed up the time it takes for the food to be released from your body. In some ways, the effects are similar to the ones of bariatric surgery. 

Though Ozempic was created to treat type 2 diabetes, its actions commonly lead to weight loss. Since being overweight and obesity are common in those with type 2 diabetes, this side effect can be beneficial. However, it does not replace exercise and healthy eating, and it’s recommended to be used alongside appropriate lifestyle changes to achieve weight loss.

Though Ozempic is not approved for weight loss purposes, semaglutide is. It may be prescribed for weight loss under the name Wegovy (which is yet to be released in Australia but is currently in the process) One concern about using semaglutide for weight loss is that your body can get used to it. This means that your body may start to think this is the new normal and won’t be able to function the same without it. Your weight may plateau. And if you stop using it, you may be likely to gain the weight back. Moreover, using Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss can cause a shortage for people who are using it for type 2 diabetes who truly need the medication.

How does Semaglutide work?

• The Brain - it mimics the hormone GLP-1 which controls appetite suppression.

• The Heart - It lowers Blood Pressure & risk of CVD in Type II Diabetics.

• The Lives - It reduces Liver glycogen breakdown and levels of blood glucose.

• The Stomach - It slows digestion, keeping the stomach fuller for a longer time.

• The Pancreas - It increases insulin production release which brings down blood sugar levels.

How much weight will I lose weight on Ozempic?

It is normal to eventually see a weight loss plateau with long-term use of Ozempic. This plateau can occur when the body loses too much fat and muscle simultaneously, causing the metabolism — and weight loss — too slow. But, experts say it should be expected, as it would be dangerous to continue losing weight.

What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?

A study in the Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that a majority of people who take semaglutide gain most of the weight back within a year of stopping the medication, which can be difficult to control. Because this is a drug meant for Diabetics which is a chronic condition they are not meant to stop taking it, where as for weight loss you WILL eventually have to stop.

Side Effects and Dangers of Ozempic and GLP-1 Drugs

Ozempic has some more minor and some more serious side effects.

Mild side effects of Ozempic and GLP-1 Drugs may include:

• Abdominal pain 

• Constipation 

• Diarrhea 

• Burping

• Indigestion

• Acid Reflux

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• nausea or vomiting 

• Change in taste perception.

• Fatigue

• Redness, pain, discomfort, or discolouration at the site of the injection

Serious but very rare side effects of Ozempic and GLP-1 Drugs may include:

• Allergic reactions

• Gallbladder disease, including gallstones or cholecystitis. 

• Kidney issues

• Pancreatitis

• Hypoglycaemia

• Changes in vision or diabetic retinopathy

• Increased risk of thyroid cancer

In Summary

If you want to lose weight, considering the potential risks, side effects, and dangers of Ozempic and other potential problems with its use for weight loss, you may want to consider some safer strategies for fat burning, blood sugar, and weight loss. Reach out for a complementary consultation on Nutrition, Fitness, & other weight loss methods to help ou reach your goals